Broadband and wireless router...

[caththere]

Some companies offer a free wiresless router - but I don't want to go wireless so is this needed, do I need to use it?

[*Lexxy*]

i think most routers can do both, ours is from Sky, the lappie connects wireless & the PC upstairs via the yellow cable (ethernet?).

a quick check on the FAQ's for whichever provider your looking at will cover this.

[Babybots]

Depends on the ISPI know with Sky you have to as they hardcode all the connection details (username, password etc) into the router.

Most if not all routers will have ethernet ports on them so that you can use a cable if you so require.

Steve

[ivebeenstiffed]

most routers will also allow you to log in and switch the wireless functionality off.

[mit74]

The majority of routers allow you to choose which option you would like. The fastest and most secure way is by cable but you're limited to how long the cable is in your home. Wireless is usually turned on by default and some routers may not be secure from default ie require a password to connect to the wireless network.
You can log into your router by connecting a LAN (rj45) cable and typing:

192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.1.254 or sometimes it's a physical address like sky.router.lan. Username and password are usually mentioned in the router manual or on the back but usually it's something like:

admin > admin
admin > password
admin > sky

This will allow you to configure the router and turn the wireless signal off.